Thursday, July 7, 2011

| by

0

09.07. (Sat) 02:45 Peru - Mexico

DID YOU KNOW?

Peru held the tournament's dark horses Uruguay to a spirited 1-1 draw to kick-start their Copa America campaign.

Sergio Markarian's men, who have been quarter-finalists or better in the last five editions of the tournament, will be a step closer to the next round should they defeat Mexico.

La Rojiblanca, ranked 49 in the world, prevailed the last time they faced El Tri in the Copa America, winning 1-0 in the 2001 edition in Colombia.

Walter Vilchez is the most experienced in the squad, having won 56 caps for the team, who have 10 players who have 10 caps or less to their name.

Mexico slipped to a 2-1 defeat against Chile in their tournament opener, after Nestor Araujo's effort was cancelled out by Esteban Paredes and Arturo Vidal's goals for La Roja.

El Tri have never won the Copa America since their invitation in 1993, although they have come runners-up twice in 1993 and 2001, whilst finishing third place on three occasions.

The Concacaf Gold Cup holders, are largely inexperienced for this tournament as stellar names have been rested after their successful exploits in the Gold Cup last month.

The defeat against Chile was El Tri's first in 14 international matches stretching back to last September. It also interrupted a run of seven straight wins.

The previous encounter between the two sides ended in a resounding 4-0 victory for Mexico, who hold a slight head-to-head advantage over Peru.

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

Peru:
Fernandez; Rodriguez, Acasiete, Revoredo, Vilchez; Yotun, Guevara, Balbin, Ballon, Advincula; Guerrero

Coach Sergio Markarian is set to adopt the 4-5-1 system which worked wonders in thwarting Uruguay on Monday evening. Juan Manuel Vargas has ruled himself fit for the encounter and stated that he is ready to "feature for 90 minutes" despite pulling up in their opening match. Jose Paolo Guerrero will again act as a lone striker, and scored against la Celeste, in what was only Peru's second international goal in 2011.

Mexico:
Michel; Aguilar, Araujo, Reynoso, Mier; Chavez, Aquino; Reyes Enríquez, Giovani; Lugo.

Troubled El Tri are desperate for a win in this match against Peru after tasting defeat at the hands of Chile on Monday evening. Rafael Lugo, who is expected to lead the line for the Mexicans, has dubbed this tie "a do or die encounter”. Coach Jose de la Torre has no pressing concerns with injuries, yet another defeat for the largely inexperienced side puts them in a precarious position in Group C.

Prediction
La Rojiblanca performed well to stifle Uruguay in their opener on Monday, and are likely to step it up against an inexperienced Mexico side in Mendoza. Despite Peru looking more likely to follow their defensive-minded formation, it may well be enough to overcome the unproven El Tri side, who are without their strongest side.
Editor's Prediction
Peru 1-0 Mexico